4Th Of July Bean Casserole
Celebrate independence with this hearty bean casserole, combining smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a sweet-savory barbecue and ketchup glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that appeal to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. sliced bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can lima beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 to 16 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook diced bacon, ground beef, and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender; drain.
- Transfer the cooked mixture to a greased 2 1/2-quart baking dish; add all of the beans and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used to save on cooking time. You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite beans or adjust the sugar levels based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect for a summer BBQ or Fourth of July gathering. Serve it alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Jimmy Dean Appetizers for a festive touch. For an extra kick, consider offering hot sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to maintain moisture, heating at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 4Th Of July Bean Casserole contains roughly 941 calories, with 13g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 633mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for pork and beans?
If you're looking for a substitute for pork and beans, you can use any type of canned beans like navy beans or even chili beans for added flavor. Just ensure to adjust any seasonings accordingly to maintain the dish's overall taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and ground beef and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of any meat juices, and you'll have a delicious vegetarian bean casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).